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Gene Upshaw was the Oakland Raiders' first-round choice in the first combined AFL-NFL draft in 1967. The 6-5, 255-pound lineman had played center, tackle, and end while winning NAIA All-America honors at Texas A&I.

The Raiders' coaching staff decided left guard would be Gene's best pro position and Upshaw won the starting job in his rookie training camp. Upshaw’s size, it was felt, would help neutralize the effectiveness of Ernie Ladd and Buck Buchanan, two huge defensive tackles in Oakland’s division.

Gene held the guard spot for the next 15 seasons, starting in 207 straight regular season games until finally being forced out of action for one game in 1981. Upshaw returned the next week to play 10 more games in what turned out to be his final season. He was scheduled to play again in 1982, but an injury in the summer season put him on the injured reserved list for the entire campaign.

Altogether Upshaw played in an incredible 307 preseason, regular season, and post-season contests. Included in his 24 post-season games were three AFL and seven AFC championship games and Super Bowls II, XI and XV. Counting the AFL championship in 1967 and victories in Super Bowls XI and XV, Upshaw became the only player ever to start on championship teams in both the AFL and NFL.

Honors came frequently for Upshaw. He was named first- or second-team All-League or All-Conference 11 consecutive years, and he was named to play in seven Pro Bowls. Upshaw was an intense, intelligent, dedicated competitor who used his excellent size and speed to best advantage.

Extremely effective leading wide running plays; Gene was an integral part of the powerful offensive line that spawned the Raiders' lethal running attack of the 1970s. Recognized as a team leader, Upshaw captained the Raiders’ offensive unit for eight seasons.

Games Played

Year

Team

G

1967

Oakland

14

1968

Oakland

14

1969

Oakland

14

1970

Oakland

14

1971

Oakland

14

1972

Oakland

14

1973

Oakland

14

1974

Oakland

14

1975

Oakland

14

1976

Oakland

14

1977

Oakland

14

1978

Oakland

16

1979

Oakland

16

1980

Oakland

16

1981

Oakland

15

Career Total

217

Championship Games

1967 AFL – Oakland Raiders 40, Houston Oilers 7
Upshaw started the game at left guard.

1968 AFL – New York Jets 27, Oakland Raiders 23
Upshaw started the game at left guard.

1969 AFL – Kansas City Chiefs 17, Oakland Raiders 7
Upshaw started the game at left guard.

1970 AFC – Baltimore Colts 27, Oakland Raiders 17
Upshaw started the game at left guard.

1973 AFC – Miami Dolphins 27, Oakland Raiders 10
Upshaw started the game at left guard.

1974 AFC – Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Oakland Raiders 13
Upshaw started the game at left guard.

1975 AFC – Pittsburgh Steelers 16, Oakland Raiders 10
Upshaw started the game at left guard.

1976 AFC – Oakland Raiders 24, Pittsburgh Steelers 7
Upshaw started the game at left guard.

1977 AFC – Denver Broncos 20, Oakland Raiders 17
Upshaw started the game at left guard.

1980 AFC – Oakland Raiders 34, San Diego Chargers 27
Upshaw started the game at left guard.